Harris served as a trustee of Priestly Academy in Sparta, Tennessee.
The school was taught by the Reverend Memucan Wade, a Presbyterian minister.
At the time the generals were separated, Harris swore he would kill Simpson.
On March 18, 1816, Harris and Simpson met for the first time at a ford in Caney Fork River, near Rock Island.
Simpson wanted a witness to what might follow; turned his horse; halted at a man's house and dismounted.